Decent Flintlock Rifle.

[APG]

I'm thinking of getting a flintlock rifle in the near future. Thing is that I don't know much about them. I do have a few percussion cap rifles and pistols but I feel the need for a flintlock. I can't spend a hugh amount on one and would like it to be robust in nature. I'm kinda hard on things. Also would be shooting it alot. Just target shooting not for hunting. Not a custom job but a good shooter. Maybe you could also let me know what to stay away from. Any information will be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[NorthFork]

Look at the used guns on Track of the Wolf. Yes many are VERY expensive but every now and then a good deal on a nice lightly used custom flinter comes along with a great barrel and lock.

 

[deermanok]

Midway USA has or had some Lyman Deerstalker rifle kits in flintlock. Priced around 500 or so.

 

[Rock Home Isle]

I'm thinking of getting a flintlock rifle in the near future. Thing is that I don't know much about them. I do have a few percussion cap rifles and pistols but I feel the need for a flintlock. I can't spend a hugh amount on one and would like it to be robust in nature. I'm kinda hard on things. Also would be shooting it alot. Just target shooting not for hunting. Not a custom job but a good shooter. Maybe you could also let me know what to stay away from. Any information will be appreciated. Thanks.

Commercial guns such as Thompson Center, Pedersoli, older 70’s era CVA products, Lyman…these are all pretty good bets. You will need to check the gun over if it’s purchased used. Realize that these guns may need a better quality lock than they were given at manufacture…but not a problem, just added expense.

If you are handy with tools, the above guns can be had as kit guns. And if that interests you, I would strongly recommend a Kibler Kit…pricy, but you’ll never be let down. This game changes dramatically once you get a high quality flintlock. Spend more for quality, it always saves you money in the long run.

Another “Type” of kit gun…India Made guns. Access Heritage, and others have pretty good functional guns, at good reasonable prices. If you feel competent with tools and capable of effecting surface type of changes and upgrades…those guns could be a consideration.

Here on this site there are used guns available. I have purchased several and the people on this site have all proven to be stellar individuals. GunBroker is an online auction house…they will have guns from all over the country…though it is much higher risk, as not all the sellers are good people…and junk is peddled like it’s gold.

I’ve gotten several fine muzzleloaders at pawnshops…though lately a lot of these shops seem to be connected to GunBroker, and are less inclined to negotiate prices.

Another is word of mouth…letting friends and family know that you are looking for a muzzleloader has brought several guns to my possession that otherwise…I wouldn’t have ever known about.

Estate sales and auctions…people on this site are always showing us the latest gun that they found at an auction or estate sale…and for that matter, local gun shows, usually there is someone or several someones selling a blackpowder firearm.

Check to see if there are any blackpowder clubs in your area…go to a shoot and hang out, talk to people. Mostly listen and watch, people are friendly, they’ll talk…once they figure out that you like coming, but don’t have a gun…that situation will get remedied fast. These gatherings are the best source to learn about flintlocks from the people that shoot them, every month. When I started, 30 years ago, shooting flintlocks…I didn’t have any real contacts to learn from, no mentors. Years of trial & error, but here I am today…telling you, don’t do what I did…join a club, shoot with shooters that have years of experience.

Right now, I’m ready for some lemonade, watch the evening’s thunderstorms buildup and roll through…I love this time of year.

 

[Brazos John]

APG,
Rock's whole post is good advice. Communication is the key.

Right now, I’m ready for some lemonade, watch the evening’s thunderstorms buildup and roll through…I love this time of year.

Rock,
PLEASE send some of the rain to Texas!
I'm having to water all of my trees with a hose, and these pines are THIRSTY!

 

[Rock Home Isle]

APG,
Rock's whole post is good advice. Communication is the key.



Rock,
PLEASE send some of the rain to Texas!
I'm having to water all of my trees with a hose, and these pines are THIRSTY!

My son is in Texas right now…he says it Hot Hot Hot.

Problem is…in Texas…once the rains come, it pours.

 

[Zutt-man]

Spending a ‘huge amount’ is pretty subjective. I’d highly suggest a Kibler or roaming the classifieds on here for a good used gun.

 

[andy52]

A decent flinter can still be had for under 1k you'll have to be patient and look in numerous locations.

 

[Omahkapi'si]

Pedersoli Frontier. Won’t break the bank and it’s a shooter. 50 yds. This one’s maple so a little more dough but the walnut is quite reasonable.

 

[Rifleman1776]

One thing that is seldom mentioned with questions like this is attending big shooting events. These always have vendors and individuals looking to sell and trade guns. Friendship is, of course, the largest but there are also a couple fairs that attract a lot of builders/dealers/etc. Most states have several events that, while not as large as Friendship can provide opportunities to buy rifles. And, don't forget rendezvous. They always have people there, both businesses and individuals selling and trading rifles.

 

[APG]

Commercial guns such as Thompson Center, Pedersoli, older 70’s era CVA products, Lyman…these are all pretty good bets. You will need to check the gun over if it’s purchased used. Realize that these guns may need a better quality lock than they were given at manufacture…but not a problem, just added expense.

If you are handy with tools, the above guns can be had as kit guns. And if that interests you, I would strongly recommend a Kibler Kit…pricy, but you’ll never be let down. This game changes dramatically once you get a high quality flintlock. Spend more for quality, it always saves you money in the long run.

Another “Type” of kit gun…India Made guns. Access Heritage, and others have pretty good functional guns, at good reasonable prices. If you feel competent with tools and capable of effecting surface type of changes and upgrades…those guns could be a consideration.

Here on this site there are used guns available. I have purchased several and the people on this site have all proven to be stellar individuals. GunBroker is an online auction house…they will have guns from all over the country…though it is much higher risk, as not all the sellers are good people…and junk is peddled like it’s gold.

I’ve gotten several fine muzzleloaders at pawnshops…though lately a lot of these shops seem to be connected to GunBroker, and are less inclined to negotiate prices.

Another is word of mouth…letting friends and family know that you are looking for a muzzleloader has brought several guns to my possession that otherwise…I wouldn’t have ever known about.

Estate sales and auctions…people on this site are always showing us the latest gun that they found at an auction or estate sale…and for that matter, local gun shows, usually there is someone or several someones selling a blackpowder firearm.

Check to see if there are any blackpowder clubs in your area…go to a shoot and hang out, talk to people. Mostly listen and watch, people are friendly, they’ll talk…once they figure out that you like coming, but don’t have a gun…that situation will get remedied fast. These gatherings are the best source to learn about flintlocks from the people that shoot them, every month. When I started, 30 years ago, shooting flintlocks…I didn’t have any real contacts to learn from, no mentors. Years of trial & error, but here I am today…telling you, don’t do what I did…join a club, shoot with shooters that have years of experience.

Right now, I’m ready for some lemonade, watch the evening’s thunderstorms buildup and roll through…I love this time of year.

That's good advice, thank you.

 

[APG]

Spending a ‘huge amount’ is pretty subjective. I’d highly suggest a Kibler or roaming the classifieds on here for a good

Spending a ‘huge amount’ is pretty subjective. I’d highly suggest a Kibler or roaming the classifieds on here for a good used gun.

You're right, a hugh amount to some is $100 and to other $1,000,000. So I'd say $1,000 is the maximum I'd like to spend.

 

[APG]

Pedersoli Frontier. Won’t break the bank and it’s a shooter. 50 yds. This one’s maple so a little more dough but the walnut is quite reasonable.
View attachment 148478View attachment 148477

I do like that.

 

[APG]

One thing that is seldom mentioned with questions like this is attending big shooting events. These always have vendors and individuals looking to sell and trade guns. Friendship is, of course, the largest but there are also a couple fairs that attract a lot of builders/dealers/etc. Most states have several events that, while not as large as Friendship can provide opportunities to buy rifles. And, don't forget rendezvous. They always have people there, both businesses and individuals selling and trading rifles.

Unfortunately there are no big events like the Friendship shoot where I live. Southern California is not known for being any kind of firearm friendly.

 

[tenngun]

It’s hard to beat the Great Plains rifle, and while less then historicly correct it will shoot as reliable as the best custom rifle.
Guns such as Loyalist arms are smoothbore. I love my smoothies but they have their limitations.
Another option ofcouse is Kibler kits. Super high quality and not very hard to finish
Sitting Fox offers guns in the white, and all you have to do is finish the wood and metal.
These are contract built and may have a little less then perfect fit, but will turn out a good functioning gun with a lot less work
Kit guns like Track of the wolf are good options. More work then a Kibler kit but can be done on your living room floor
My ‘shop’ with a build

 

[Zutt-man]

You're right, a hugh amount to some is $100 and to other $1,000,000. So I'd say $1,000 is the maximum I'd like to spend.

I would just roam the classifieds and save your money. If you don’t find anything in a few months, maybe you’d have some extra cash for a Kibler. Simple maple or cherry stocked colonial or SMR would be shipped out to you for ~$1200. Very easy to put together with simple tools. VERY quality rifles

https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/kibler-colonial-assembly-timeline.136570/

 

[TFoley]

Dear OP - I'm not familiar with the state of play of BP stores in your neck of the woods, but up in Springfield OR is the best BP store on the West Coast - the Gun Works.

Tell Suzi I sent you.

 

[Rock Home Isle]

APG,
Rock's whole post is good advice. Communication is the key.



Rock,
PLEASE send some of the rain to Texas!
I'm having to water all of my trees with a hose, and these pines are THIRSTY!

I’ve noticed you and I seem to click a lot of the same things. ”Great Minds…” I guess…

 

[Brazos John]

”Great Minds…” I guess…

That's it!
Plus, just the fact that your son is in Texas makes you a good guy!
Make me jealous - what's your weather in Colorado today?

 

[Rock Home Isle]

That's it!
Plus, just the fact that your son is in Texas makes you a good guy!
Make me jealous - what's your weather in Colorado today?

Clear blue skies, slightly breezy, high of 86 degrees. Texas’ll be melting lead on the sidewalks today….